Mighty Avengers #2 Review

Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Greg Land

This series started well, as although the opening issue wasn't outstanding it did a good job of kicking things off, as well as doing a decent job of fitting the series in with the Infinity event. I do however expect the series to improve though, and will be disappointed if it doesn't.

Plot

As the newly formed Mighty Avengers fight Proxima Midnight, Blue Marvel learns of a Level 7 attack, and Ebony Maw tries to corrupt Doctor Strange.

Review

This was a brilliant issue and a fantastic continuation from the first. Al Ewing did a great job of continuing the high pace that he added near the end of the first issue, whilst also adding some other development points and characters to the series at the same time. I did however question whether it was crucial to start this series during Infinity, as although it's been very fun and entertaining so far, it hasn't really done much for the event, expanding slightly on a earlier development of the main series. I did however enjoy how Ewing had the public helping, and overall he made this a very fun issue, and I'm sure he'll do an even better job once Infinity is finished.

The artwork on this issue was once again brilliant, and didn't have as many of the classic annoying trademarks that Greg Land is known for, with there being very few glamorous women, and little opportunity for awkward smiles. There was however still the odd awkward facial expression, with Blue Marvel showing a couple near the start of the issue. Land's layouts were however once again outstanding, and especially once the action  sequence kicked back in, adding a lot of depth whilst also being dynamic, and overall helped the story to flow very smoothly and naturally. The inks from Jay Leisten and colours from Frank D'Armata were also brilliant making the final product look even more crisper and vibrant.

This issue would start with Ebony Maw continuing to work his way into Doctor Strange's subconscious. I initially questioned the necessity of this sequence, as it only appeared to be repeating something that happened in New Avengers #9. It did however become apparent why this was added later on in the issue, though even then I questioned whether it was truly necessary. I will however say that it is nice to see another connection to Infinity, and if Ewing handles this set-up properly in the next issue it will be a brilliant addition to the story.

This issue would also introduce a new character to the series in the form of Blue Marvel. Now I know very little about Blue Marvel so don't know whether his addition to the team will be a good thing or not. I have however enjoyed that Ewing has added a few lesser used characters to the team, as it allows them to get more notice. In this issue however I especially enjoyed the interaction that Blue Marvel would have with the Watcher, as although it slowed the issue down, it would allow Blue Marvel as a character to be introduced nicely into the series. On top of that it's always interesting to see the Watcher as you know that there's possibly something spectacular about to happen.

The bulk of this issue however would continue the fight between this newly formed Avengers team (Luke Cage, Superior Spider-Man, Spectrum, and a mysterious man in a Spider-Man suit) fighting Proxima Midnight. Now this was easily the best sequence in the issue, and was what made it so exciting. The explosive nature of it was simply brilliant, as was the shocking developments. The best part however would come when it looked like the Avengers were beat, and the public rallied them on, as this would just go to show how much the Avengers mean to the public.

Final Verdict

This was a fantastic issue and a great continuation from the first issue. It continues the amazing action brilliantly, adding a new character to the series as well. It was also very dramatic at times, and had some amazing dialogue. Crossover wise however it felt a little unnecessary, as although the story was very fun it didn't add anything new to the event itself. Due to all this I'd recommend this issue, but due to it not being that important crossover wise I'd only recommend to people who have a wider budget, or spare cash.

Rating: 8/10

Mighty Avengers #1 Review

Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Greg Land

I wasn't originally planning on getting this series, as although I am happy to see Luke Cage back in a major comic book series, I couldn't fit it into my budget. I have however since been able to get the first couple of issues and hope to get the series at least during Infinity, but probably won't be getting the series on the release date.

Plot

Luke Cage has been working with the Heroes for Hire, but when Thanos' army attacks the Earth he must form a new team of Avengers... Mighty Avengers.

Review

This was a very good start for the series, as although it wasn't outstanding, it did a brilliant job of re-introducing the characters for this series. Now Al Ewing isn't a writer that I'm familiar with, so I didn't know what to expect. Ewing would however show throughout this issue that he has an understanding for the characters, as well as a good imagination, even if some of the developments were a little too weird. Ewing also did a decent job of fitting this in with the Infinity crossover, as a lot of new series can be ruined due to events, whereas this one handles it in a calm way, with it naturally progressing into the events developments.

The artwork in this issue was also good, as although I'm not a huge fan of Greg Land's work this has to be some of his better work, showing that he can be a good artist. The issue does however still have the regular Land problems, with every woman looking like a super model, and smiles looking as awkward as possible. Land did however produce some amazing layouts, which were very dynamic, adding a lot of depth to the issue. The layout also helped to make the action sequences more exciting, also helping the issue to flow a lot smoother. The backgrounds however were a bit plain, but I could easily live with that as it wasn't a huge problem.

This issue would start with Luke Cage and a group he's assembled doing some Heroes for Hire work, which the Superior Spider-Man gatecrashes. Now I loved that Ewing decided to give this a Heroes for Hire feel to it, as although it was fitting that it would eventually turn into a Avengers team book, it was nice to see Cage in his iconic role of Hero for Hire. I did however also enjoy the interaction between Cage and Spider-Man in this, as although I haven't been the biggest fan of the whole Doctor Octopus becoming Spider-Man, Ewing managed to show the change in characteristics perfectly, without making it too obvious, and overall the interaction between these two characters was very entertaining.

Cage would be working with White Tiger and the current Power Man (Victor Alvarez) during the Heroes for Hire part of this issue, and hence it would have two Power Men involved. Now when I first heard about this new Power Man I was very interested to see how Cage would react to him, and although due to not reading the character in anything before I don't know whether this has happened yet. I was however happy that it did here, and the interaction was amazing. I just loved how the difference in both characters age gap was obvious, and the fiery attitude of Alvarez added brilliant tone to the issue.

Now usually with a new team book I would talk about the team, and what I thought of the choices, but this issue the team wouldn't form until the end of the issue, and even then it didn't feel quite like a full team. Anyway I already said how I enjoyed Cage and Superior Spider-Man being a part of this series (even though I don't think Spider-Man will be a good fit in the long run), but the addition of Spectrum (Monica Rambeau) and a mysterious male would make things even more interesting. I especially found the mysterious man to be intriguing, and his choice of outfit was both humorous as well as weird, and I look forward to finding out his true identity.

Final Verdict

This was a good issue, and although it wasn't outstanding, it was better than I dreaded it would be, being a brilliant starting issue for the series. It also tied in with the Infinity event nicely, and although there were some weird moments it was overall an enjoyable issue. Due to this I'd recommend this issue, but it isn't the best Avengers issue, so only if you have spare cash after getting the main part of Infinity.

Rating: 7/10

Iron Man #14 Review

Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Greg Land

This has been a very poor series, as although it was poor prior to first dropping the series following issue 5, it hasn't been much better since, and this storyline has been a bit disappointing. This second half does however look to have more promise, but it may be to little, to late.

Plot

Iron Man (Tony Stark) has temporarily escaped from 451, but 451 uses Death's Head to track Tony down.

Review

This was a terrific issue, and probably the best in the series so far, definitely being the best in this storyline so far. Kieron Gillen did a great job on this issue, reminding me why I used to consider him as a good writer, as this has probably been the best work he's done since the start of Marvel NOW! It was very suspenseful, and dramatic, having tons of drama, and atmosphere, having become the kind of series I'd hoped it would've been by now. It didn't however have any proper action in it, though the tone of the issue, as well as the suspense made up for that. The dialogue was also great, adding depth to the story, as well as more drama, and tone.

I've had mixed feelings about Greg Land's art over the course of this series, as although there have been quite a few poor moments, he has shown that he can produce marvellous art. He once again showed this during this issue, as it would appear that with the lack off female characters there isn't much he can disappoint me with (as I dislike how every female character he draws looks like a glamour model). I loved the way Land handled the character emotions, with them feeling very natural, and realistic, with even 451, and Death's Head showing some emotion. I also enjoyed the dynamic feel of Land's art, but he did slightly disappoint by going back to the awkward smiles that he usually draws on people.

For most of this story Tony has been anchored by 451, being unable to get away. He however managed to escape last issue, and during this issue he found a way of making sure that 451 can no longer control him. I won't go into any details, as although it happened near the start of the issue, it's still a nicer if it's a surprise. I will however say that I found it to be very clever, even though slightly obvious, and I'm glad that Tony is finally able to do something about 451, as I feel his lack of movement hasn't helped this story.

Death's Head once again made an appearance in this issue, as due to the actions of Tony, 451 must rely on Death's Head to track him down. The chase between Tony, and Death's Head during this issue was very exciting, and entertaining, being also very suspenseful. I also enjoyed the dialogue throughout, and loved how Death's Head commented on how he disliked being controlled. There was also some very shocking things during this sequence, giving more depth, and drama.

Throughout this story it has been questionable whether 451 is a villain, or a hero, but this issue would show him to be more of a villain, as some of his actions during it were very questionable. I found this very interesting, and I've loved how so far 451 has been very emotionless, making it hard to tell whether he's truly good, or evil. This issue however he showed plenty of emotion, having a manacle look about him, and I hope that we finally see him square off against Tony, as that would be amazing to see.

Final Verdict

This was an amazing issue, and finally the series is starting to be a bit more entertaining, instead of being poor, and slow. It also had a lot of suspense, and drama, with some shocking moments throughout. Cause of all this I'd recommend this issue, especially to people who have been reading this series, and aren't sure whether to continue or not. I would however probably recommend against it otherwise, as although it was amazing, you really need the rest of the story to understand what's going on, which isn't really worth it unless you get it in trade at a later date.

Rating: 8/10

Iron Man #13 Review

Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Greg Land

I dropped this series following the opening story arc, which was pretty poor, but have since decided to give it another shot as I didn't want to miss this Secret Origin. It has however been a bit disappointing so far, even with last issue being good, and I seriously hope the story starts to get better soon.

Plot

As 451 continues to tell Iron Man (Tony Stark) about the Godkiller outfit, Death's Head sets his sight on them, hoping to bag a huge bounty.

Review

This was another mediocre issue, and with last issue being good I hoped that the story/series would continue that way. It wasn't all bad though, and Kieron Gillen did a decent job, as there were still some very interesting points to this story. The thing that does bother me though is the fact that most of this story has been very slowly paced, and after one issue with a faster pace it slows right back down again, which was really disappointing. There was however some interesting set-ups, but I won't judge them till they pay off, as there have been some brilliant set-ups in previous issues, with only a few paying off. Gillen did however add some excitement, just not a lot, and next to no action, which was disappointing.

Greg Land returned as artist for this issue, and although I've been preferring Dale Eaglesham's art I have to say that Land did a very good job on this issue, and it's some of the best art I've seen from him in a long time. With there not being many reasons for smiling, as well as no female character's it eliminates the reasons I usually dislike Land's art, as there's no glamorous women, and no awkward smiles. Besides this Land did a great job at showing the character's expressions, and especially with Death's Head, who isn't easy to show emotion on. The detail was also brilliantly handled, with terrific backgrounds, and a dynamic layout, with Land overall really showing improvement.

Last issue saw 451 reveal the Godkiller outfit, and how Tony is destined to pilot it. Now the developments in this issue were very interesting, as although it slowed the issue down it gave brilliant set-up, which I hope pays off in the next issue or two. I am however not entirely sure whether or not I like the design of the outfit, as although I like the connection to the Celestials, it doesn't feel like an Iron Man suit, though I may change my mind in the next few issues.

Besides the Godkiller suit we also saw yet again the continued relationship between 451, and Tony, and how they disagree. It is however 451's actions that still puzzle me, as he's a real conundrum, seeming to be good, whilst having a bad vibe about him, at times seeming very selfish. The interaction between 451, and Tony also continued to show the dislike that Tony has for 451, and if this doesn't eventually end with the two fighting I'll probably be very disappointed.

This issue would also see the return of Death's Head, which was nice, adding yet more variables to the future of this story. Now although most of Death's Head's appearance in this issue was set-up, he did have some action, eventually finding 451, and Tony, showing bad intentions. It also had some explosive points, and if this is a sign of things to come, this story may be very interesting in the next few issues, but we'll wait and see. I also look forward to seeing exactly what role Death's Head will play in the rest of this story, and whether this is a short return or not.

Final Verdict

This issue was slightly disappointing, with the story returning to a slow pace. It did however have some interesting plot set-ups, as well as some interesting developments. I also had a bit of excitement, but little action, as well as some decent dialogue. I would only recommend this to anyone who's got the story/series so far, as you might as well to see where the story goes, but otherwise I'd recommend leaving this, and if the story gets better getting it in trade.

Rating: 3/5

Iron Man #5 Review

Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Greg Land

It's hard to say that this series has been anything but disappointing, but it has. After Kieron Gillen's amazing work on Journey Into Mystery, and the fact that the previous Iron Man series (The Invincible Iron Man) was brilliant, I was expecting the same here, but unfortunately we've received a very inconsistent series, which has overall been very poor.

Plot

This issue sees Iron Man head into space to retrieve the final rouge Extremis technology, and he will also have to tangle with an old friend. This issue also features a small set-up to the next Iron Man storyline God Killer.

Review

This was another disappointing issue of Iron Man, and I'm starting to lose all hope in this series. There will be some people who would have liked the fact that Gillen made this storyline in one-shot issues, but I personally think it killed the story. Okay, there would have still been some issues that would have been terrible, whether they interlinked into the next issue or not (mainly Iron Man #2) but at least you let the reader know where they stand. Although each issue is new reader friendly I don't think the series has been, as there'll be a lot of new reader liking one issue, and hating the next thinking if this is what all comic book series are like, which isn't a good thing. Even as a collector of comics for many years I felt that this was a terrible way to start a new series, as the first few issues were so inconsistent, with a decent issue followed by a very poor issue, followed by a good issue. Anyway this issue kept the trend of inconsistency as it felt nothing like the previous issues. That being said it wasn't a terrible issue but miles away from being a good issue. If it wasn't for issue 2 being confusing throughout, I'd have said that this was the worst issue in the series so far, as it felt very rushed, and looked like Gillen just wanted to end the story.

To anyone that's read my previous reviews for this Iron Man series, I'll probably be looking like a broken record whilst talking about Greg Land's art. As usual his work on the Iron Man Armour's is phenomenal, although I don't like the look of the upcoming Godkiller suit, but I'll talk more about that later on in my review. Land however still has the same flaws in his artwork, and that is the way he draws women, and facial expressions. No matter how hard I try, I can't bring myself to love the way he draws women, as they all look similar, and always look glamorous (is there nor ugly women in Iron Man's world). There isn't much of an example of this in this issue, as Pepper Potts is the only woman to make a proper appearance, besides a women working for Eli, but again she also looks beautiful. Although I said Land isn't brilliant at facial expressions, he isn't terrible either. He does a fabulous job of showing a joyful, interested, or shocked Tony Stark, but whenever he draws someone smiling they always look awkward, and look like they're in some form of discomfort rather than happiness.

What Eli's Doing with Extremis

There was yet another different use of the Extremis technology in this issue, and this time it was to make people walk on Mars without having to wear any form of space suit. It was revealed to be an ex friend of Tony's, named Eli that had in this case stolen the Extremis technology. Although possibly the most practical use for the Extremis technology throughout this storyline, it was also in my opinion the most boring use. It lead for a very uninteresting issue, and the only thing that made this story interesting was the interaction between Tony, and Eli. I did however like that Tony was trying his hardest to cut his old friend some slack, realising that it wasn't a bad thing he was doing with it, but realising that Eli having it, could lead to it getting into the wrong hands.

Hostile Environment

Like with the previous issue this issue featured a new set of armour, or at least a modified set. It looks much the same as the normal set shown throughout the series, as well as Iron Man's appearances in other Marvel NOW! titles, but has a rocket pack on the back, and a different left arm, to neutralise Eli's attacks. Although not very imaginative, I actually liked this armour, and think it looked decent. The only thing I didn't like about this set of armour was the left arm, as it didn't look like it belonged there, and looked like a last minute attachment. Overall the simplistic nature of this armour was a good thing, as it making something extravagant may not have worked, like the other Godkiller armour, which was also featured in this issue, and what I will be talking about next.

Godkiller Armour

At the end of this issue it shows Iron Man donning another new set of armour, which will feature in the new story arc, Godkiller. I've enjoyed seeing a new set of armour in each issue, so far, and this has been the main thing I've liked about this series, but this new Godkiller armour, looks horrible. The only other set of armour I wasn't overly fond of during this series was the giant set of armour Iron Man used in Iron Man #4, but it wasn't as bad as this. Although it's a nice touch seeing the red and gold make a return, whether permanently, or just for this issue, or story arc, I would have still preferred something nicer. The only positive thing I can say about this armour is that it's unique, and although I don't like it I can appreciate Land's efforts.

Final Verdict

This was a very disappointing issue, and a disappointing way to end a storyline, which wasn't a proper story. I would only recommend this issue to anyone who's got the series so far, as otherwise it's not worth getting. If you are a new reader, and are wanting to try Iron Man, I would also recommend leaving this issue, and either getting the next story arc, or well established storyline's, like Demon In A Bottle. I personally am dropping this series now, but I hope that it gets better, and if the next story arc gets continuously good feedback then I might give the series another shot.

Rating: 3/5

Iron Man #4 Review

Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Greg Land

This has probably been the most inconsistent start to any of the Marvel NOW! series, as it's had one good issue, one two decent issues, and one terrible issue. I don't mind whether a series is good or bad, although I do prefer it if they were good, but I'd rather they were one or the other as if they were totally bad I'd drop them easily.

Plot

This issue sees Iron Man travel to Paris to locate another stolen version of the Extremis armour. Here he finds a strange sect of people who he compares to Lovecraft.

Review

This wasn't a bad issue, but it wasn't as good as the last. I'm slightly annoyed that these issues have been so inconsistent, and am slightly disappointed that despite each issue having Tony find another version of Extremis, that it doesn't feel like the same story. I'm sure that some people will like that these are individual issues, but I find that cause of this it means the overall story is all over the place, and not really focused on one thing. I had high hopes for this series when I heard Kieron Gillen would be writing, as he did an amazing job on Journey Into Mystery, but so far the inconsistency of this series has made it very disappointing. I hope that he manages to round this story of well in the next issue, and that the next story is consistent throughout.

Like always I'm not sure whether I like Greg Land's art or not. At times he does do a brilliant job, and the way he's incorporated a different armour for each issue has been brilliant. I'm still not to fond of how he draws women, and how they all look glamorous in his artwork but the awkward facial expressions are minimal in this issue. I also liked how he was able to take something as compact as a catacomb and make it look amazing. The way it was laid out with all the scripture on the walls and skulls was brilliant and looked fantastic. Apart from the women he draws looking similar, and glamorous I did however like how he drew the "Lovecraft" women, and how they looked viscous, and evil.

This issue once again featured a new Iron Man suit. Although I like that Land is having a different suit in each issue this one didn't appeal to me. I've liked huge Iron Man suits in the past but this one didn't quite look right. I personally felt that this suit looked a little to bulky, and unbelievable. I admit that the larger Iron Man suits are harder to please me as I prefer the ones with gadgets, but I have still liked some of them. I did however like that it kept the new Iron Man colours, and that Iron Man mentioned that the military would never get their hands on this suit. I did however like the suit in action, but felt that it left Iron Man with less room in this already tight catacomb.

I also loved how the new A.I. system is going through it's "teens". Although it's weird to hear a A.I. system being anything but obedient, but I actually liked the idea of this early version having the, "do I have to?" attitude. I also loved how Tony found this funny whilst at home, but found it annoying whilst on a mission. I hope that the A.I. system continues to develop like this, as I personally found it interesting, and enjoyable.

The version of Extremis in this issue was a bit weird. as it was in this group of demented women that Tony compares to Lovecraft. This came after Tony thought that the writing on the skulls were Tolkien like. I liked the Tolkien reference, as I just saw The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in the cinema, but the Lovecraft reference not as much. I'll admit I son't know as much on Lovecraft as I do Tolkien, but from what I do know I don't think the reference suites this series. The women themselves were very creepy and the fight between Iron Man and them was good but I just felt that it was a bit rushed and although it was explained it wasn't a brilliant explanation.

The person behind this version of Extremis was also featured in this issue, and even helps Iron Man at one point. He explained why he turned these women into monsters, and how he used Extremis to do it. Although the explanation fitted with the setting, and theme of this issue it didn't quite feel right, and the reasoning behind it wasn't as good as some of the others. The last issue last issue had a more emotional reason behind it, and was probably the best in the series so far, and I even preferred the reason in the second issue was better, and I didn't like that issue. I have however liked that Gillen has done something different with the Extremis in each issue, and although I didn't like all of them it was a decent idea. I've also loved that Gillen has left these issues open so that the villains in each one can return in further issues, which should be interesting.

Final Verdict

This was a good issue but not the best in the series, but not the worst. Anyone who likes fantasy style comics may like this but be warned that it's not normal fantasy. I would probably recommend this issue, but I hope that this series gets more consistent as I'm considering dropping it.

Rating: 3.5/5

Iron Man #3 Review

Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Gregg Land

This series of Iron Man has been very up and down so far, as it started of with a good issue, followed by a terrible second issue, and now with a good third issue. Was the second issue a blip or is this an inconsistency we'll see more often, I hope the former, as I'm a big Iron Man fan and the previous run (The Invincible Iron Man) by Matt Fraction and Salvador Larroca was brilliant.

Plot

This issue sees Iron Man once more in search of another person using the Extremist. This time he's heading to Colombia where a wealthy drug dealer has a version of the Extremist, and has Living Laser, Vibro, and Firebrand protecting it.

Review

This was probably the best issue in this series so far and I hope that the series will keep at this quality, if not better. Kieron Gillen has done a much better job on this issue, and he's showing that he is still a good writer. I loved his work on Journey Into Mystery, and am looking forward to his upcoming Young Avengers series but I have however been disappointed with this series so far. Although this issue was much better than the last, which was very bad, it still isn't quite to the standards I'd expected. He has however put a lot of thought into this issue, and although some of the ideas didn't pay off, some did. I also liked how he was able to add emotion to this story, and how due to all these stories being mini-stories it's easier to forget a poorer one. I also loved how he attempted to add some fun humour to this issue, and although again some of it didn't work I can appreciate the effort as Tony is meant to be a funny character from time to time.

Greg Land's art is actually starting to grow on me a lot more than it's done in the past. Although there is still problem with some facial features, like smiling and that looking awkward his art has however improved. Another thing I didn't like about this art was how he drew women very similar, so I enjoyed when I saw that he drew two women differently (the drug dealers daughter Juliana, and Fireband), although Fireband and Pepper Potts look similar. I've also liked how he's drew Iron Man's armour over the series so far, and loved seeing a new suit of armour this issue, although I'll talk more about that later. I also like how most of his art is very detailed, and even though some of these details don't quite look right it's nice to see them there.

The new suit in this issue was very interesting and one of my favourites so far. The armour itself looks very sleek, and is very well designed but it's special feature is what I liked the most. This suit of armour has the ability to bending the light around the wearer, essentially turning them invisible. This is a very handy feature and allows Tony to do his business a lot more subtly, sneakily, which isn't usually easy for Tony. I also loved how Land drew this suit of armour, and it was probably the best design I've seen in this series. What I like about it is how it keeps the black colour which this series has shown suits Iron Man, and make it something unique at the same time.

The new suit Iron Man wears in this issue also allows the wearer to take on the identity of anyone it scans taking their likeness and voice. This is also a brilliant feature and I loved how Land drew the change between the armour and the person it was mimicking. The comments he makes during this sequence saying that he's made Black Widow's job redundant was also very interesting, and I can't help but imagine how Black Widow would respond to that.

Nearer the start of this issue there was meant to be a funny sequence between Tony and Pepper were Tony jokes about making the perfect toasted sandwich with cheese. I liked how Gillen attempted to add humour to Tony as it's a big part of his character, but I personally didn't think it paid of this time. There was however one part of this sequence I found slightly funny, and that was when Tony was eating the sandwich of a mechanical arm whilst suiting up.

Finally we get to see some proper Iron Man villains. Okay they may not be the best villains out of Iron Man's rouges gallery, and they are certainly no Mandarin or Crimson Dynamo but they are still better than the excuse of villains we got last issue. Although I've never been a big fan of the Living Laser, and don't know a great deal about the other two you need villains like them in this sort of story, and although it is interesting seeing Iron Man facing huge villains he needs a technical villain to work of of, making the fight more symmetrical. It was also nice that the villains were all in different colours making them stand out, and that none of them were in a similar colour to Iron Man, which may have made the fight a bit confusing to differentiate between the characters. I also liked the fight in general and thought Land drew it perfectly adding ton's of action, and drama to the sequence.

Final Verdict

This was a good issue, and much better than the last issue. It is still however not a perfect series, and has a lot of room for improvement, but if it keeps at this kind of standard you can be sure to have a decent series.

Rating: 4/5

Iron Man #2

Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Greg Land

I loved Matt Fraction's run on the character in the last series (The Invincible Iron Man) and after Kieron Gillen doing such good work on Journey Into Mystery I expected a good follow up series. So far the first two issues have been very disappointing and if the series doesn't pick up by the end of this story and defiantly the next I will most likely be dropping it.

Plot

This issue sees Iron Man travel to Symkaria where he hopes to negotiate a deal with Arthur and his Knights to retrieve the Extremist armour they are in possession of. Arthur and his Knights however have other plans.

Review

I didn't like this issue. I went into the series expecting Gillen to do a good job and was a bit far with the first issue, because of it being a new series, but this issue wasn't a good follow on. When I first noticed that Arthurian Legend was going to be involved I was happy because I love reading stories involving Arthurian Legend, but it just made the issue more confusing, and hard to read at some points. I don't mind how Gillen is writing the Iron Man character, my problem is that most of the talking or thinking in this issue was from one of the villains.

Greg Land's art in this issue isn't bad and actually suits both the Iron Man and Tony character well. I still don' like how he draws women similar and I hate how he draws people smiling, but besides that his art is quite good. At times I like his art but there are other points I don't. This is the same for background detail, some panels, like when Tony's computers are up there will be lots of detail but other times not as much. I'm happy that he's putting the detail into the things that matter but why not just put a bit more detail into the other environments.

In this issue Tony is inventing a new A.I. system to replace J.A.R.V.I.S. (the A.I. program not the butler). I like the idea that Tony is inventing a new A.I. system as it adds something different to the series but like Pepper said why invent it the now whilst he's going about the world retrieving his stolen Extremist armour. I know that Tony likes to test drive things in the field but it doesn't make sense using something that isn't finished to battle people with his already tested Extremist armour.

I was in two minds as with what to think about Arthur and his Knights. I like how Arthurian Legend is getting used in a comic book series but I'd much rather it was used more wisely and thought through a little more. I am also in two minds about the armour the Knights are wearing themselves. I'm not overly keen on the design as they look too plain, but I do like how they all have different coloured crosses for visors. I would have preferred a bit more design on the armour though and they could have even made it similar to the Knights Templar by adding a cross to the front plate of the armour.

The thing I have been liking a lot in the series so far is the new Iron Man Armour, and although it's similar to his previous one I actually think the black looks good on it. I originally thought I wouldn't like the black but after reading the first two issues it's started to grow on me. but I'm still not too sure if it goes with the gold as well as the red did. I was also happy that we got to see the armour in a longer battle this time, but didn't like the battle itself. The thing I didn't like about the battle was that there was monologue from one of the villains over the top of it. I don't mind monologue over battles as it's sometimes good, like for instance the battle in Uncanny X-Force #34 between Wolverine and Daken, the monologue helped add reason and emotion to the battle. The monologue in this fight however made the fight boring, and due to the fact there was so much of it actually took away from the action.

Final Verdict

A disappointing continuation to what has been a mediocre series. I wouldn't recommend this issue unless you are a big Iron Man fan who is willing to accept an poor story in hopes of it getting better in future issues.

Rating: 2.5/5

Iron Man #1

Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Greg Land

SPOILERS BLOCKED OUT IN WHITE! 
(Highlight White Areas to Reveal Spoilers)

I have enjoyed reading Iron Man over the past few years and I really enjoyed Matt Fraction and Salvador Larroca's series. When I heard that Kieron Gillen and Greg Land were replacing them on the new series I wasn't actually that bothered. Okay, I will miss Fraction's brilliant writing and Larroca's beautiful artwork but at least they are being replaced by a good writer and a good artist as Gillen has done brilliant work on Journey Into Mystery over the last year or two and although most people bash Land by saying he traces and isn't a proper artist at least it looks good, which is what really matters.

Plot

This issue sees Tony being his usual self and chatting up a beautiful blond haired woman. He eventually get her to go home with him before getting an emergency call from Maya Hansen which has a pre-recorded message saying that A.I.M. have stolen her Extremist designs and that she is probably dead. Tony has to abandon the woman he was seducing and go of to stop A.I.M.

Review

This was a good start to what is looking to be a great story. Okay it wasn't the best Iron Man issue I have read but for the start of a new series it was good and is a great jumping on point. Gillen is however showing that this series has the potential to be great as he can really write Tony well. His take on the character is a lot different than Fraction's was but still very good and I like that we are seeing Tony relaxing a bit more and acting like his old self (at least for now).

Land did a good job on the art and I love the way he draws Tony and Iron Man and really like the new Iron Man suit. When I first saw that it was going to be black and gold I wasn't to happy but now after reading the comic, I feel that it's a nice change from the usual red and gold and a really suit the armour. I still don't like the way he draws women though as the blond haired woman has been drawn the exact same way as Emma Frost was when Land was working on The Uncanny X-Men which was a bit disappointing. I also don't like how Land always has to draw people with smiles as they all look the same and it doesn't look nice. Besides that the art still looks great and I'd much rather repetitive art which is nice to look at than non repetitive art which isn't as good a quality.

What I really enjoyed about this issue and what I'm looking forward to in future issues was how Gillen has utilised a previous Iron Man story to create this one. It was nice seeing Maya back in the series (even if it lands up being brief) and how the Extremist is involved again. I also liked the Demon In A Bottle reference at the end of the issue as that story arc was brilliant and is a true classic. I also enjoyed how Gillen right from the start has teased Tony with the though of having a alcoholic drink and how Tony was able to casually and jokingly decline.

It was also nice to see Iron Man have to fight to prevent the bad guys (this case A.I.M.) from using something he helped create for evil. I like how this came about at a time where Tony is felling confident and is happy with his life as it brings more drama to the story. I also loved how Tony shaved off his moustache as a disguise to infiltrate A.I.M. I do however hope this is only temporary as Tony isn't the same without it. I also liked the new liquid armour that he was keeping in the case and although he has used a case to hold his armour in the past it was nice to see it again with a new type of armour. I am also looking forward to seeing more of the armour in the future and hopefully it gets even better.

The only thing that drops the rating on this issue is that for the most part it was a bit slow and didn't really have much action. This is however expected from a first issue in a story let alone a series so I can forgive it as it did show a much more wittier Tony which was nice.

Final Verdict

A good start to what will hopefully be a great series. Gillen has shown that the series has great potential and I hope it does. I would highly recommend it and am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next issue.

Rating: 4/5